Farrakhan calls Obama a 'new beginning'

November 09, 2008

Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan said God's divine plan for the world is the reason President-elect Barack Obama won the election, and that God will make sure Obama has the vision needed to guide the country through current economic and social woes.

Speaking Sunday at Mosque Maryam, the movement's headquarters, Farrakhan gave a speech titled "America's New Beginning: President-elect Barack Obama" and warned the packed audience that having a black president will not mean the end of racial inequity in the U.S.

"Even with this remarkable event, the country remains divided and polarized," Farrakhan said.

Farrakhan painted many McCain voters as older whites living below the Mason-Dixon line, and said it pains those people to see a black person in power. He urged the crowd to reach out to people who may not like seeing blacks succeed, and help them change their views.

"We can change laws, but it's difficult to change attitudes," he said.

In February, Farrakhan praised Obama at a Chicago Saviors' Day event.

But during a campaign debate, Obama denounced the support because of past statements Farrakhan has made that were considered anti-Semitic.

Louis Farrakhan, leader of the Nation of Islam, speaks during a Sunday sermon at the Mosque Maryam in Chicago. (Associated Press Photo by Eric Y. Exit)